The Gameplay Confusion of Valkyria Revolution
From starting up there was something off about how this game was to be played. Sure, the tutorial level was there and for the most part, I understood how battles would unfold. Yet thile the game is put together competently, major issues of concern arise from just the tutorial level, all the way to its intended end.
Strategy Vs. Hack-N-Slash
I can see the apparent difference in how this game was going to depart from its predecessor. From the original game, the focus was on strategic placement of allies to keep them alive while also flanking and surprising enemy units. Valkryia Revolution's focus was on a more 'Dynasty Warriors' approach. Charge in and do the most damage with weapons, spells (Really? Spells?), and special abilities. How they go about such gameplay is as different as day and night. First off, turn-based gameplay is gone. Meaning the strategy aspect take more of a backseat. Instead, a 'morale' bar is at the top of the screen to further remind players of the need to keep mashing buttons. You essentially just charge in, swing your weapon, and kill all enemies that stand in your way. Seriously. The enemy has stormtrooper aiming unless there's so many of them they just aim in your general direction with no remorse.Really. Spells.
Another thing I find it hard to grasp for this game is the concept of 'magic' or rather 'alchemy' that they focus on. Yes, you could use this in battle in the form of Area of Effect attacks, Health restoration (which makes Ragnite unnecessary...), Strengthening of your squad mates, and Weakening/Eliminating of enemy units. The reason I have a problem with this is that it completely undermines the need for conventional weaponry. Also, it appears that magic has a more prevalent role in the game than ragnite does; and Ragnite (or rather the lack of Ragnite as a resource) has been the foundation of the Valkyria series and the sole reason to go to World Wars. So it would be better to say that this was a magic battle as oppose to a war on resources. Why have a gun and shoot from a distance when you can do the same thing with magic? The only concern then is how much magic you have left...which is restored by attacking with your Alchemy Weapon. Speaking of conventional weaponry...
The Enemies Have a 'Tank?' And you...Don't?
Speaking of enemies, there's another two-part issue I have with this game: the first is its concept of what is to be known as a 'tank.' I don't have the rights to put up the images as they are too incredible to be believed, but if anyone has ever touched the 'Metal Gear' series, they would understand that this idea is even crazy for THEM. Still on the tutorial level, you EVENTUALLY encounter your first boss...a giant red-colored 'brachiosaur' battle mech. That shoots fire. And has 'reinforcements' in the form of cross things that add a fire elemental damage over time effect. Actually, let's go back further. Essentially when you get closer to the town, the enemy strolls up with a bi-pedal machine, simple gray coloring, and has minimal armoring and firepower...this, ladies and gentleman, which I am describing to you right now...is this game's idea of a 'tank.' It is at this moment, my suspension of disbelief was shattered. KNOWING what a tank is from the progenitor of this series, it is already going in a bad direction. Nevertheless, this is based off of the even less utilized 'Lyndwyrms' used for travel and the archetypes for the basic 'tanks.' So, one would assume that your squad would get an EQUALLY appalling tank to further customize for your squad's convenience. You don't. This is the second part of my issue with this gameplay choice. Your enemies have these mobile weapons en masse while your squad gets none. Various OTHER battalions in this game have a 'tank' of some form...and your squad gets...none. Every other Valkyria game had a TANK for your squad to utilize in some form, EXCEPT this one. Sadly, it doesn't benefit nor deter your efforts either way. Essentially, all you need do is keep your "Alchemic Weapon" up to par in terms of ability and you basic can steamroll enemies with little to no effort...in most cases. Which leads us to...
Armaments and Armors...are an Afterthought of Collectibles.
Just as in the original, this game has a variety of weapon and armor upgrades. The armor, secondary weapons are upgradeable; however, they take a backseat in terms of the primary weapons you use. Here they give you setups for your squad mates' alchemic weaponry. This, according to the game, is necessary to face off against the Valkyria (more on that later). If you've ever played FFX you know right off the bat that this is a rendition of the Sphere Grid. Place a item in a designed spot that's available and connect the dots. The layouts of the alchemic weapons is relatively invariant; meaning they play out all the same with minor adjustments to make it seem like certain characters have a specific elemental affinity. UNLIKE FFX, the need for upgrading your weapons only applies to, at best, four people; the main male lead, main female lead, and two others. You only need to do this for the entire game. Very rarely are you in need of other squad mates outside of a few instances in game; and by then it becomes a chore to bring them back up to speed. As for the upgrades themselves, that's where I have some issues. First, you have to clear missions to get these items that contain certain elements. Then those elements are either used to enhance your attacks or enhance your weapon. Which means unless you plan on keeping your weapon underperforming or lack any magical abilities, you're going to have to grind, and even then, it gets costly.
A Lot More to Say, but Not a Lot of Time to Say it.
I haven't even scratched the surface about the town you're in, or interactions with your squad mates and fellow 'Traitors' (more on that later), and the gear upgrade system via scavenging for loot boxes throughout the game and turning them in to a specific shop. I haven't even scratched the surface on the items themselves, on how limited they are to both get and use. But I feel that too will be explained as I further share my critique on this series. Especially with a new Valkryia Chronicles already out (or at the very least, a demo released). Next, we delve a bit into some of the story and lore, which will contain some spoilers, so you have been warned in advance. Thank you all for reading and I'll see you in the next part!
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